Penrith the big winner after Inaugural IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3 at Regatta Centre

Penrith was the big winner after the inaugural IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3 at Regatta Centre drew thousands of athletes to the region.

First, second and third placed men in the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

More than 1900 age-group athletes chased their dreams at IRONMAN 70.3 Western Sydney on Sunday, with more than 500 first-timers racing alongside the best in the sport.

It was a case of “catch me if you can” in both the men’s and women’s races at the inaugural IRONMAN 70.3 in Penrith – won by Australian Josh Amberger and Anja Beranek of Germany.

Mens winner Josh Amberger at the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

Womens winner Anja Beranek at the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

Both winners cemented their victories with brilliant performances on the bike.

Amberger produced his third-straight victory, holding off fast-finishing Tasmanian Joe Gambles to take the title, while Beranek held off New Zealand’s Gina Crawford.

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MORE RESULTS

Amberger averaged 43km/h for much of the bike leg, a full 2km/h faster than any of the athletes behind him.

First, second and third placed men in the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

“I am really happy to come away with the win,” Amberger said.

“Of my recent wins this was probably the toughest one.”

Beranek, who has been in Australia for five weeks, averaged an impressive 39.29km/h in her bike leg, which was enough to take the win.

““I am very happy and I really enjoyed the day here. It’s overwhelming, I can’t quite believe it,” Beranek said.

Womens winner Anja Beranek sees her husband on the finish line at the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

Age group competitor in the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

“While I was on the course I saw the Olympic rings and it makes it such a special race here.”

Joseph Lampe finished third in the men’s race, while Lisa Marangon rounded out the women’s podium.

Local racers also had a good day out, with close to 100 competitors racing from the Penrith Institute of Sport and the Panthers Tri Club.

Mens winner Josh Amberger at the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

Age group competitor in the IRONMAN Western Sydney 70.3. (JGRimages)

Andrea Forrest only narrowly missed out on a podium spot in the women’s, placing fourth, and Sam Appleton came home strong with a 1:24:14 run.

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Six-time world champion Dave Scott completed the swim and ride legs as part of a team and was full of praise for the event.

Scott, who has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years, said it was one of the prettiest courses he’d ever ridden.